MBZUAI, G42 launch K2 Think: Leading open-source system for advanced AI reasoning
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Institute of Foundation Models at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and G42...
Science
Big-ticket events boost international tourism and economic growth
Dubai, UAE -- ‘Big-ticket’ events are playing a pivotal role in driving international tourism and accelerating economic growth, according to...
Business
Business
Masdar acquires Saeta Yield
The deal is estimated to be valued at $1.4 billion.
- Saeta is a leading independent developer, owner and operator of renewable energy assets.
- Masdar recently announced an agreement with Endesa to become a portfolio asset partner for Spain's 2.5 GW renewable energy projects.
Geostrategy
Media gag and manufactured consent: Israel’s campaign against Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon: On Sunday, Israeli troops stormed the Al Jazeera office in the occupied West Bank and issued a 45-day...
- Israel's claim last year that Gaza's largest Al-Shifa Hospital housed Hamas command center was debunked by many.
- Before launching deadly strikes on Lebanon, Israeli military released videos claiming civilian homes housed arms.
Business
ADNOC Distribution H1 dividend $350m
The total dividend for 2024 is expected to be $700 million.
- The second and final portion of 2024 dividend is expected to be paid in April 2025, in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors and shareholder approval.
- The company's cash dividend paid since its initial public offering totaled AED 16.2 billion ($4.4 billion), including cash dividends for the first half of 2024.
Geostrategy
DCO launches Digital Economy Navigator to bridge global digital gap
The navigator enables countries to better navigate their digital journeys, find opportunities for growth and benchmark progress,
- DEN was unveiled at SDG Digital, held this year during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York from September 10 to 27.
- DEN is a unifying framework that addresses digital economy maturity across 50 countries, including the DCO member states.
Business
Global tourism nears full recovery, led by Middle East’s 26% growth in 2024
While Europe and Americas have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, the Middle East's growth outpaces all other regions, UN World...
- Globally, international tourism reached 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels during the same period, with around 790 million tourists, an 11 percent increase over 2023.
- In terms of tourism revenue, 47 out of 63 countries with available data reported a return to pre-pandemic earnings.
Business
UAE banks’ Q2 investments in Islamic certificates, cash bills surge to $61.81bn
The banking sector in the country maintained strong capital adequacy, exceeding Basel 3 requirements, according to the Central Bank.
- Statistics showed that the foreign assets of the Central Bank increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year to reach AED 770.6 billion.
- The total capital and reserves of banks operating in the UAE increased by 3.9 percent to AED 495.2 billion at the end of the second quarter.
Business
Middle East renewable energy projects investments reach $75bn
London, UK -- The Middle East is moving towards investing $75.63 billion in renewable energy projects until 2030, according to...
- These investments include 116 renewable energy projects, which are expected to be operational between 2025 and 2030.
- Large solar projects, such as the fifth phase of the Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Solar Park, are making significant progress.
Business
TAQA launches new corporate identity
Abu Dhabi Energy Services will be renamed as TAQA Services.
- TAQA also announced that ADDC and Al Ain Distribution Company will merge under a new unified company.
- The Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) will be renamed TAQA Transmission Networks,
Business
Saudi surpasses Vision 2030 tourism target, says IMF report
Tourism is a major contributor to the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, the IMF notes in its 2024 Article IV Consultation...
- The sector's direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5 percent in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16 percent by 2034.
- Central to this growth has been a combination of strong domestic demand and increased international arrivals.
2024 Crypto Crime Update Part 2: China-based cybercrime networks on the rise
In part 1 of our mid-year crime update, we discussed trends related to ransomware and stolen funds. While aggregate illicit...
- 43% of YTD scam inflows have gone to wallets that became active this year
- Huione Guarantee, appears heavily used for illicit crypto-based activities, including pig butchering, investment fraud, and money laundering
MBZUAI, G42 launch K2 Think: Leading open-source system for advanced AI reasoning
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The Institute of Foundation Models at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and G42...
Science
Company News
stc net profit for 2024 $6.58bn
Business
DAE net profit up 36.2%
Business
Latest News
SIB’s 2024 profit $272m
Business
Ukraine to propose sky, sea truce at US talks in Saudi: official
The talks on Tuesday will be the first Ukraine-US meeting since a White House blow-up between Zelensky and US President...
Geostrategy
UAE’s real GDP increases by 3.8% during first nine months of 2024
Dubai, UAE -- The UAE’s real GDP increased by 3.8 percent during the first nine months of 2024 compared to...
Economy
Japan puts world’s most accurate clock on sale for $3.3 million
The "Aether clock OC 020" is so precise that it would take 10 billion years for it to deviate by...
Science
Most Read
Business
stc net profit for 2024 $6.58bn
This is an increase of 85.7 percent over the previous year.
- Revenues for 2024 rose 5.7 percent over the previous year to reach SAR 75.893 billion, and gross profit reached SAR 37.30 billion.
- Operating profit increased 9.6 percent over the previous year to reach SAR 14.426 billion.
Business
Maaden raises $1.25bn in sukuk offering
The Sukuk were offered in a five-year and a 10-year tranche.
- The five-year tranche of $750 million consists of 3,750 Sukuk based on the minimum denomination and total issue size.
- Maaden said the annual return on the five-year tranche is 5.25 percent and 5.50 percent for the 10-year tranche.
Business
DAE net profit up 36.2%
Revenues grew by 9 percent to $1.42bn from $1.31bn in 2023.
- Total assets reached more than US$13 billion by the end of 2024 compared to US$12.26 billion in 2023.
- DAE said it acquired 83 aircraft (owned: 30; managed: 53) and sold 68 (owned: 19; managed: 49).